How to view UK's biggest solar eclipse since 1999

Are you ready for the sun to just vanish?That's right, the wait is almost over for an eclipse, the first over most of Europe since 1999.A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, earth and moon align.Though the moon is tiny compared to the sun, it's closer to us and at just the right distance to perfectly block our view of the sun.But only if you're where the shadow of the moon falls, known as the path of totality.On August 12th, that shadow will race over the northern Russia, eastern Greenland, western Iceland, northern Portugal, mainland Spain, and the Balearic Islands before the sun finally sets.

either side of the path of totality many places will still see a partial eclipse and for the UK it will be a big one.Around 96 % of the sun will be covered by the moon for those viewing it in Cornwall, leaving a small slither of our star poking around the dark disc of the moon.It will be around the same in the most westerly parts of Ireland and around a 90 % eclipse for the rest of the UK.First contact will start just after 6pm, then maximum eclipse will be reached around 7 .05 in Scotland, 7 .12 in London and 7 .16 in Cornwall.

To see it you'll need a good view of the western horizon given the late time of day.This will be a rare sunset eclipse.If there's cloudy skies it will definitely spoil the show.If you're not at an organised event, you will most definitely need a pair of these proper eclipse viewing glasses.Even 4 % of the sun's rays hitting your retinas will be enough to blind you.The longest period of proper darkness will last around 2 minutes and 18 seconds, but only in the very best viewing spots in Greenland and Iceland.

In the rest of the UK, we're going to experience a dramatic dusky sunset.Prepare for the images to be spectacular.The last solar eclipse seen in 2024 over the United States was stunning, while southern Spain is due a second eclipse.next August, the UK won't see another this good until 2081.This is a stellar opportunity not to be missed.